What does the aurora look like and what forms of auroras are there?
The aurora borealis comes in many different colors and shapes, ranging from a pale greenish-white glow to red, green, and purple lights. The light of the aurora is caused by gases shining when particles hit them. Every gas shines its own color, and no two gases shine the same color. Each gas has a unique spectrum of colors. In the atmosphere where the aurora takes place, the solar particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen gases. Oxygen gives off green and red light, while nitrogen gives off a blue light. A mixture of these gases provides other lights such as pink and purple. Other gases also give off light, but it is hard to see. The Northern Lights start with a light glow just above the horizon, and then arches appear. The particles hit the upper atmosphere and cause curtains or draperies. The lights come and go in shades of pink, yellow, and green, to name a few colors. There are streamers and rays that shoot towards the zenith. The aurora consists of quickly moving patches and danc
